On June 1, 1995, a Beech C23 (registration N23828) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Ann, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and improper short field landing procedures. Factors associated with the accident were the wet terrain, a tailwind, and the pilots lack of recent experience. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot misjudged grass and dew conditions while landing on a 1,960-foot airstrip. The airplane overran the end into a wooded area. A witness noted a normal approach but lack of deceleration. The pilot had no current medical certificate and had not flown in 90 days.
Accident Details
The pilot was landing on an airstrip measuring 1,960 feet in length. According to his statement, he misjudged the grass and dew conditions. The airplane continued off the end of the airstrip and entered a wooded area.
Witness Account
A witness reported that the approach and touchdown appeared normal, but the airplane did not seem to slow down once on the ground.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot acknowledged that he landed with a tailwind and did not use enough flaps for the landing. Additionally, he did not hold a current medical certificate and had not flown in the 90 days preceding the flight.